By: Donna Wallace LPC, LADC, ADCR-MN
As there are many ways to define addiction, recovery may look different depending on whom you’re asking. I think of addiction as a process. Substance use or addictive behaviors meet a need, at first. We want to have fun, or de-stress, or fit in, or rebel. But when it becomes addiction the brain gets involved, and eventually every thought and action supports the addiction.
Abstinence from substances and behaviors becomes crucial and takes time before thought processes can support sober decisions and behaviors. People often need to reach out for help from wherever they can get it: Loved ones, support groups and addiction professionals. It’s not easy. It takes time, effort and commitment. But it is worth it.
But more than just repairing the damages, recovery can be the chance for a new start – a catalyst for change, healing and growth. A chance for families to learn how to understand and support each other. A time for damaging relationships to end, and healthy ones to begin, not just with others, but also with ourselves.
Once stable sobriety has been achieved, working on the roots of addiction can begin. If there’s trauma in your story, working with a professional trained in both trauma and addiction would be advised.
Recovery is achieved one step at a time, one day at a time. Let the healing journey begin!
